The New Zealand Defence Force announced the sale of 22 NZLAV 8×8 vehicles to Chile on April 20, 2022. The first batch arrived in San Antonio in September 2022, followed by the second batch in early July of this year. The NZLAV 8×8 enhances the operational capabilities of the Chilean Marine Corps, providing greater tactical flexibility and improved force protection through an effective combination of firepower and mobility.
The NZLAV, or New Zealand Light Armored Vehicle, is a mobile light armored vehicle used by the New Zealand Army for reconnaissance and advanced observation. It measures 6.98 meters in length, 2.83 meters in width, and 2.87 meters in height, weighing between 19 and 21 tons depending on the configuration. It can be transported by land, sea, and air.
The vehicle has a crew of three, including the commander, gunner, and driver, and can carry seven fully-equipped soldiers. Its primary armament is a 25 mm Northrop Grumman M242 Bushmaster automatic cannon with 420 rounds. It also features two 7.62 x 51 mm FN Herstal Mag machine guns and eight grenade or smoke launchers for self-defense.